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Design Associate Jobs in Chester, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA) , a leading provider of professional civil engineering to the public and private sectors, has excellent opportunities for motivated civil engineering ...

Design Technician

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Design/ Drafting related Associate's Degree (2 year) is preferred. Experience: Related work experience may considered in lieu of a degree. Some previous design/drafting experience is preferred.

DESIGN CONSULTANT

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

Our training programs are designed to help each associate create a meaningful career at Bassett. As part of our in-depth training program, you'll learn: product knowledge, sales techniques, design ...

Our training programs are designed to help each associate create a meaningful career at Bassett. As part of our in-depth training program, you'll learn: product knowledge, sales techniques, design ...

DESIGN CONSULTANT

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

Our training programs are designed to help each associate create a meaningful career at Bassett. As part of our in-depth training program, you'll learn: product knowledge, sales techniques, design ...

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Design Associate information

See Chester, VA salary details

$17.9K

$53.9K

$80.5K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Chester, VA is $53,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $62,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Design Associate vs Design Coordinator?

AspectDesign AssociateDesign Coordinator
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some experienceSimilar credentials, often with additional project management skills
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, retail, or corporate settingsDesign teams, client-facing roles, project management settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in interior, graphic, and product designOften used interchangeably or in larger firms for project oversight

The main difference between a Design Associate and a Design Coordinator lies in their focus. Design Associates typically assist with design tasks and client support, while Design Coordinators often handle project coordination, timelines, and communication. Both roles require similar credentials, but Design Coordinators usually have additional organizational responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Associate, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in graphic design, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate creatively are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities enable effective project execution, ensure design consistency, and foster successful teamwork in a fast-paced creative environment.

What are some common challenges Design Associates face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Design Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make managing deadlines and shifting priorities a challenge. Effective communication with team members and clear organization of tasks are essential to ensure all projects move forward smoothly. Additionally, adapting quickly to feedback from clients or senior designers is key, as project requirements can change rapidly. Building strong time management skills and staying flexible will help you thrive in this fast-paced environment.

What are Design Associates?

Design Associates are entry- to mid-level professionals who support design teams in creating visual concepts, layouts, and presentations for projects across industries such as graphic design, interior design, fashion, and architecture. They assist senior designers by conducting research, preparing materials, and using design software to bring creative ideas to life. Design Associates often collaborate with clients and other team members to ensure that the final product aligns with project goals and brand standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Chester, VA? The most popular types of Design jobs in Chester, VA are:
What cities near Chester, VA are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities near Chester, VA with the most Design Associate job openings:
Senior Hydrology and Hydraulics Manager, P.E.

Senior Hydrology and Hydraulics Manager, P.E.

Rinker Design Associates, LLC

Glen Allen, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description
Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA) is  seeking a highly experienced Professional Engineer (P.E.) to serve as the technical lead for hydrology and hydraulics (H&H) design and review efforts on transportation infrastructure projects throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced technical proficiency in roadway and bridge drainage design, stormwater management, floodplain analysis, and hydraulic modeling. This position requires substantial experience delivering projects in accordance with VDOT, Virginia DEQ, FEMA, and AASHTO requirements, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively with state and local agencies.
💥$10,000 sign-on bonus!💥

What You'll Do:
  • Lead and manage hydrologic and hydraulic design for a wide range of transportation projects, including roadway corridors, bridge replacements, culvert designs, stream crossings, and interchange improvements.
  • Prepare, review, and seal detailed drainage design packages, including storm sewer systems, ditches, channels, cross-drainage, stormwater BMPs, and erosion and sediment control plans.
  • Ensure all designs comply with relevant standards and guidance, including the VDOT Drainage Manual, VDOT Road & Bridge Standards, Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations, AASHTO Green Book, and applicable FEMA NFIP requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and quality assurance for junior and mid-level engineers by reviewing calculations, design approaches, reports, and plan sets.
  • Coordinate closely with VDOT district staff, local governments, environmental agencies, and multidisciplinary design teams to support project development from scoping through final design and construction.
  • Participate in public meetings, stakeholder coordination sessions, and technical presentations as needed.
  • Support proposal development by preparing technical scopes, level-of-effort estimates, and project schedules related to H&H tasks.

What You'll Need:
  • Active Virginia Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
  • Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in hydrology and hydraulics design for transportation or civil infrastructure projects.
  • Demonstrated experience working on VDOT roadway and bridge design projects, including familiarity with VDOT processes, plan development requirements, and digital delivery standards.
  • Proficiency with industry software tools, including:
    • HEC-RAS (1D & 2D)
    • HEC-HMS
    • SWMM / InfoSWMM
    • MicroStation / OpenRoads Designer
    • GIS (ArcGIS) and other drainage design tools
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
  • Proven ability to lead engineering teams, manage multiple concurrent deadlines, and maintain high standards of technical accuracy and quality.

Why Join RDA?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:   
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan; Roth Contributions
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
  • Paid time off, including 8 federal holidays + 1 floating holiday
  • Parental leave
  • Professional/career development tracks
  • Positive work/life balance. 
RDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applicants that require an employment visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered. 

About Rinker Design Associates
Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA) is a distinguished civil engineering firm based in Virginia, with over 250 employees and offices located in Manassas (headquarters and satellite), Fredericksburg, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, and Galax.
For more than 44 years, RDA has built a solid reputation for providing conscientious and reliable service to municipalities, governmental agencies, and private industries located throughout Virginia – service that our clients and their communities deserve. We pride ourselves in offering high quality deliverables and support services that meet project, budget, and schedule requirements, exceeding our clients’ expectations.
Services provided by RDA include Transportation; Alternative Project Delivery; Site/Civil; Construction Engineering and Inspection; Right of Way; Traffic; Surveying; Structures/Bridges; Water/Wastewater; Environmental Review & Permitting; Utilities; Inflow & Infiltration Identification/Remediation; Public Sector Architecture; and GIS.

Our hiring process
Stage 1: Applied
Stage 2: Initial Screening
Stage 3: 1st Interview
Stage 4: Offer
Stage 5: Hired